Italy's Salvini to sue prominent anti-Mafia writer

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Italy's far-right Interior Minister Matteo Salvini said Thursday night he has filed a complaint for defamation against the anti-mafia writer Roberto Saviano, one of his most virulent critics.

Mr Saviano, who has lived under armed guard since publishing his mafia best-seller "Gomorra" in 2006, has repeatedly criticised Mr Salvini for his anti-immigration policies and lashed out last month over a threat by the interior minister to lift his police protection.

"I filed a lawsuit against Saviano, as promised. I accept any criticisms, but I do not allow anyone to say that I help the mafia," Mr Salvini wrote on Twitter, also referring to his anger at claims he celebrated the death of a child.

Earlier this week Mr Saviano posted a picture on Twitter of a dead woman and child floating in the Mediterranean and questioned "how much pleasure" the minister from the anti-immigration League party took from the image.

"The hatred you have sown will overthrow you," wrote Mr Saviano.

The 38-year-old writer has previously denounced the "foul" atmosphere in Italy since the new populist government took office on May 31, warning that anyone could be targeted in an interview with the Corriere Della Sera newspaper.

On Thursday, Mr Saviano responded to Mr Salvini's announcement of legal action by accusing the minister of being "afraid of critical voices".